Abdominal Bloating

One of the most common symptoms of IBS is abdominal bloating. Generally, abdominal bloating is one of the most frustrating symptoms of IBS and one of the most difficult to treat. Abdominal bloating is often characterized as a feeling of fullness or a sense of an enlarged abdomen and is due to the accumulation of intestinal gas inside the GI tract. Excess gas causes abdominal distention as well as flatulence and burping. In severe cases the bloating may be accompanied by pain and may only be relieved by passing gas or stool.

Doctors use a two-step program in managing abdominal bloating that is associated with IBS. This includes identifying and treating possible contributing conditions like bacterial overgrowth, malabsorption, lactose and carbohydrate intolerance and other GI disorders.

Patients are often advised to make dietary and lifestyle changes like avoidance of certain foods that may increase bloating (legumes, some vegetables and fruits, fiber supplements, etc).

Exercise and weight loss for obese patients may also be helpful in reducing the symptoms of IBS such as bloating. Some over-the-counter products like simethicone and activated charcoal as well as agents that can help digest complex carbohydrates have also been shown to be helpful in reducing the severity of abdominal bloating.

Prokinetic agents like tegaserod has been shown to decrease bloating in women with IBS. Fennel, a natural herb, may also be helpful for bloating and has no reported side effects. Fennel is prepared like tea and can be taken several times per day.

Patients are also advised to avoid carbonated drinks, chewing gum since this can predispose one to swallow air and foods which are difficult to digest or those that can increase the amount of gas. They also need to know which type of fiber is not fit to consume.

Although IBS patients need to have their daily requirement of fiber, some fiber sources like psyllium can actually make bloating worse and should be avoided.

Irritable bowel syndrome is not the only condition where abdominal bloating can be found. Other conditions like food intolerance, constipation, partial bowel obstruction and overeating can also result to abdominal bloating.

Understanding Abdominal Bloating Recommended Resources:

University of Maryland Medical Center

Penn State Hershey Milton S. Hershey Medical Center